The barrel style pysanka (barylka) is a traditional division, and one of the most common in modern pysankarstvo. There is usually a central band with the main design, and then a few decorative bands above and below to add intricacy and complexity to the pattern.

Pysanky tend to be symmetric, and I have made most of them this way. I find I often prefer asymmetric bands; they are quite attractive and more visually interesting, but they are also a lot more work, in that you have to create more patterns!

Barrel pysanky look great in red and black as well; you can find my multicolored barylka eggs in the “Brown and Red” album. (Note that there are two pages of photos below; click on the “2” to go to the next page of barylky.)